COVID-19 Update

Dear Clients and Friends,

As of this posting, some massage professionals have been given permission to reopen their massage practices in Maryland. However, I am technically classified as an RMP and not an LMT, (an unfair and somewhat political distinction in my opinion but that’s a debate for another day). What this means practically, is that I am not currently among those who are allowed to practice. However, there is more to it than just that…

Even those therapists who are allowed to practice at this time must follow a 45-page protocol which includes the acquisition of many supplies that I don’t currently use and would need to order prior to reopening. In addition, the wellness center where I rent space would need to be state-certified as a medical facility, which would require my landlord to complete many upgrades, and they have instead decided to close their doors. Therefore, I would need to find a new place to practice, even if I took the steps to upgrade to LMT status.

There is growing evidence that Covid-19 is a blood vessel disease instead of a purely respiratory one, which explains the high prevalence of blood clots, strokes, and cardiovascular complications in addition to lung issues. Blood clots are a contraindication to massage because they can become dislodged through physical manipulation. The medical community does not always understand or take seriously how our massage affects the public – but if you ask most massage therapists what their biggest professional fear is, they will tell you that it is giving someone a stroke – and this was true even before the advent of Covid-19. But now, the systemic issues that Covid-19 present, particularly in asymptomatic people, create a frightening liability that our malpractice insurance is clearly trying to side-step, telling us to have clients sign waivers, clearing us to perform massage. Such contracts are iffy at best, and do not protect us if something were to happen.

In my earlier correspondence, I stated that I would certainly be back when this mess was over. I am now not so sure. I have been a massage therapist for over 15 years, and I love what I do — but I am not certain what will happen with my practice, or even with the profession of massage therapy in general at this point.

In the event that I am forced to close my business indefinitely, I will of course, provide a refund those who have pre-purchased unredeemed sessions. I am currently exploring my options and will get back to everyone very soon.